More than 952,887 people are currently on national public hospital waiting lists, which represents a further increase.
The figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund for March represent an increase of 9,800 patients on the February figures.
Over 650,600 of the patients are waiting to be seen at an outpatient clinic by a consultant for the first time.
Speaking at the Irish Medical Organisation's annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry, incoming president, Professor Matthew Sadlier said that waiting lists were constantly going up and what is needed is more capacity.
He said the population has risen by around 30% in the past 15 years.
Prof Sadlier said 5,000 extra beds were required in the health system given the pressures.
The Department of Health said there has been significant progress in reducing the length of time patients are waiting for treatment.
It said that 150,000 fewer patients were waiting over 12 months for care since September 2021.
The department said waiting lists more recently have been impacted by the ongoing trend of higher demand and increased referrals, which has offset the significantly increased levels of activity that are being delivered in acute hospitals.
